What was your first job as a journalist?
Unpaid was solicited editorial/opinion content from a local paper wanting an Indigenous perspective. Paid was a publisher friend asking for an Indigenous perspective for a story about Standing Rock—as a favor. I was shocked to learn I was getting paid after years of giving my Indigenous perspective away for free.
Have you ever used a typewriter?
Ask me how old I am without asking how old I am. I had an old heavy portable manual one from the 1950s for years and learned to type in high school on an IBM Selectric with the roller ball instead of individual character keys.
How is social media changing news?
Social media itself has become news. Individuals recording their own experiences are being picked up by mainstream media. The murder of George Floyd is a prime example.
Who's your favorite fictional journalist?
I can't say I've really read about fictional journalists. They tend not to show up in scifi, fantasy or the horror I prefer.
What does it mean to be a journalist?
To share information and fight ignorance.
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
We use WordPress, RebelMouse, Canva, Getty Images and social media platforms.
Why did you become a journalist?
As a favor for a friend. Seriously.
Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?
My high school had only 212 students when I graduated. A school newspaper was a pipe dream, but I did write for various newsletters for organizations I supported.
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
Zachary Bear Heels murder by police. Horrible situation with no justice, but it needs to be told until things change.
What's the worst pitch you ever got?
Most of the Native American pitches from non-Native sources.
What's your favorite drink?
Coffee, in every form.
When you're not at a computer, where are you most likely to be?
This exists? Where is this place?
Aside from your own, what's your favorite publication to read?
I know it's stereotypical, but I subscribe to The Washington Post. It's one of the few a I'd pay to read. Indigenous media is also making an impact with publications like Indian Country Today, Native News Online, Indianz.com, Illuminative, APTN and more.
What's the most common misperception about your beat?
Pro diversity or representation is anti majority. More representation and balanced, fact based journalism is not a targeted attack against the majority culture. If learning about minorities or marginalized groups angers you or makes you feel guilty, that's a you problem to examine, not a reason to silence us.
